State parks are an important measure of the commitment of a state to protect the special places which highlight its natural heritage and provide a unique outdoor experience.

North Dakota has about 20,000 acres in the state park system, or 0.0004 percent of the state land area. In comparison, South Dakota and Minnesota have 95,000 acres and 367,000 acres in state parks, respectively. Adding more camp sites to existing state parks as recently proposed will only lead to more crowding. Measure 5 funds could be used to expand the state park system, enhance tourism and improve the quality of the outdoor experience to more of the state’s growing population.

Clean water is vital for human use and for quality fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation. We frequently read of oil and brine spills in western North Dakota with 1,696 incidents reported in 2013 alone. Measure 5 funds could be used in many ways to enhance water quality in the state’s rivers, lakes and other wetlands and improve access to water bodies for hunting and fishing. Maintaining an environment which can provide high quality outdoor recreation opportunities in the state appears expensive until one considers the cost of the alternatives of having few natural areas, limited clean water or trying to repair damaged landscapes.

The strong opposition by some business interests to Measure 5 is perplexing given that steps which enhance outdoor recreation and the quality of life in a state generally are good for economic development. Monies spent on hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities are an important source of income to many communities in the state. Easy access to good hunting and fishing helps to recruit hard-to-get professionals like doctors to North Dakota.

Opposition by agri-business stems from the fear that Measure 5 would somehow negatively impact North Dakota agriculture. With the governor being chairman of the panel that approves all Measure 5 proposals those detrimental to agricultural interests stand little chance of passage. For the individual farmer who seeks to diversify his sources of income, Measure 5 would offer many opportunities. Robert Carlson, past president of the North Dakota Farmers Union and World Farmers Organization, supports Measure 5 noting it will “give farmers a chance to benefit if they voluntarily choose to participate in a variety of conservation programs” including “money for leasing land for up to 20 years for conservation purposes.”

I am 70, have lived in North Dakota from birth, still maintain the family farm, and have often traveled throughout the state. The landscapes that made North Dakota legendary for those with a passion for the outdoors are disappearing. Oil, like coal, is a one-time harvest and we must use this moment in time to ensure our state’s unique outdoor heritage is maintained. Future generations will be grateful that their ancestors had the foresight to act to protect the special places that help define our state and maintain the outdoor experiences that have been our birthright.

Please join me in voting “yes” to Measure 5.